Seven tricks of turning your Dog walks into Workouts

Taking your furry friend for a walk probably involves lots of sniffing about and a hello here and there to fellow dog walkers – all at a leisurely pace that doesn’t amount to much exercise.

But believe it or not, your canine buddy makes the best workout partner. Unlike humans, he has no last-minute cancellations, never complains how hilly the terrain is and will happily remind you when the clock hits workout time.

As your biological reminder, your dog will keep you in check even on those cold training days you want to lazy around. Then why not turn your daily dog walks into a workout? Remember, working out together not only improves your health but boost the bond between man and dog. So, if you are considering that as an option, here are seven ways to turn your dog walks into workouts.

  1. Get to know your dog’s limits

A puppy’s walking ability varies greatly from that of a senior canine while a German shepherd needs more exercise than a Labradoodle. Different dogs have different energy levels. It is best to first understand your dog's physical constraints before turning your morning walks into a great workout session.  Find a rhythm that works for the both of you.

  1. Establish a workout routine

Dogs are great at following schedules, especially if it is one that involves a lot of outdoor time. Look for a daily walk routine that fits your lifestyle and gives you enough room to incorporate exercise in-to it. It can be a twenty to thirty minutes’ stroll that rewards both you and your four-legged friend with plenty of mental, physical and emotional stimuli.

  1. Change the train

Instead of your normal power walks down the park, try going hiking- it’s a bit more challenging with a change of scenery.  Remember, terrain and pace matter more than distance. When you get a hilly trail that is covered in green, you tend to build more strength and endurance due to the challenge this terrain offers. Furthermore, the change of view mentally stimulates your dog -  he will find it adventurous and will be eager to go out on the run next time hoping for more discovery.

  1. Start slow

Try reprogramming your dog slowly especially if he has grown fond of leisurely strolls. This might take several sessions before he gets used to the new routine.  However, this does not mean that you completely sideline those relaxing walks – it basically involves having clear distinctions from regular strolls to more powerful energizing walk up the hill. For instance, many dogs can distinguish the kind of walk based on whether they get to wear a leash or not.

  1. Switch things up

A walking routine gets boring over time, so how do you keep things fresh even on day twenty-two of your workout session? Well, a change of routine should do the trick. Try changing the pace, increasing the distance, adding more physical and mental stimuli to keep both you and your dog motivated and involved in the workout session.

  1. Look out for jumping, skipping, and pull up opportunities

An excellent way to turn your world in-to a gym is to look out for trees, monkey bars, park benches, and other nature furniture to get your heart rate up. And to motivate your dog during the workout is by giving them a reward – it could be a snack or a favorite puzzle toy they like. By doing so, your dog will be inspired to join you for the next morning run. He will even remind you when the time to go out for a walk comes.

  1. Try adding weights to the workout plan

Weights are a great way to add extra effort to your workout program. If you prefer no leash jogs, try carrying some extra weight on your hands. For your dog, you can add weight vests, but it is important to consult a vet first. Weight vests tend to cause unnecessary knee, back and hip problems for your dog.

Getting the most out of your walk workouts

In order for both you and your dog to get the most from walk workouts, your dog needs to know how to move at the same pace beside you, rather than being behind or in front of you. Whether jogging, power walking, or running with your dog, she should be in the shoulder-at-knee heel position. This position allows the two of you to move as one, reducing the risk of colliding into each other along the way.

Furthermore, try increasing your pace and distance after short warm-ups. Keep in mind that your dog benefits physically and mentally from playtime. As a result, it is best to get creative by finding ways to play with your dog that also provides plenty of exercise for you. If he or she likes running off leash free at the park, run along with her. If retrieving a ball gives her a blood rush, throw it and race her for it.

Benefits of daily walks for you and the dog

Tired, under-exercised dogs tend to develop behavior problems that can be resolved through adding more physical activity into their daily schedule. When you turn your daily walks into a workout there are plenty of benefits both you and your dog tend to gain. They include:

  • Lowering obesity chances.

  • Reduce chances of heart disease.

  • Lowers diabetes rates due to cholesterol build up.

  • Prevents joint diseases due to tensed muscles.

  • Strengthens the bond between you and the dog as you spend more time together.

  • Mental stimulation for both you and the dog through increased blood circulation.

  • Emotional balance through stimulation of antidepressant hormones.

  • Prevents dementia in senior dogs.

Conclusion

When done correctly, your daily walks can turn into a powerful energy-boosting workout session. All you need is to establish a strike routine accompanied with occasional twists and plots to keep it fresh and motivational for both you and the dog. By doing so, you stand to benefit greatly in terms of physical, mental and emotional health. Rather than hitting the gym for a workout and leaving your canine friend out in the dark, why not try powerful walk sessions that boost your friendship level as well as your physical health.

Bio: Andy is the owner at Pet Gear Lab, a pet blog that provides information, humour, and help and advice to dog owners.

mothesdaywalkmississaugaWhat: Mother’s Day Walk
When: May 8, 2016 at 11 a.m. (Sign in at 9:30 a.m.)
Where: Streetsville Memorial Park, Mississauga
Why: To fund breast cancer research at Sunnybrook Hospital that impacts local patients
How to register: www.mothersdaywalk.ca or call 1-800-567-8767

A Short Walk Around the Office Can Reverse Vascular Dysfunction Caused by Hours at a Computer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2crmlhKWlU

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Sept. 28, 2015) ― Across the country, many employees are seated at desks for the majority of an eight-hour workday. As technology creates an increase in sedentary lifestyles, the impact of sitting on vascular health is a rising concern. Now, researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have found that when a person sits for six straight hours, vascular function is impaired — but by walking for just 10 minutes after a prolonged period of sitting, vascular health can be restored.

 

“It’s easy for all of us to be consumed by work and lose track of time, subjecting ourselves to prolonged periods of inactivity,” said Jaume Padilla, Ph.D., an assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at the MU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. “However, our study found that when you sit for six straight hours, or the majority of an eight-hour work day, blood flow to your legs is greatly reduced. We also found that just 10 minutes of walking after sitting for an extended time reversed the detrimental consequences.”

 

During the study, the researchers compared the vascular function of 11 healthy young men before and after a period of prolonged sitting. The findings indicated that blood flow in the popliteal — an artery in the lower leg — was greatly reduced after sitting at a desk for six hours. Researchers then had the participants take a short walk, and found that 10 minutes of self-paced walking could restore the impaired vascular function and improve blood flow.

 

“When you have decreased blood flow, the friction of the flowing blood on the artery wall, called shear stress, is also reduced,” Padilla said. “Moderate levels of shear stress are good for arterial health, whereas low levels of shear stress appear to be detrimental and reduce the ability of the artery to dilate. Dilation is a sign of vascular health. The more the artery can dilate and respond to stimuli, the healthier it is.”

 

Many workplaces are sedentary environments, and the researchers said it’s important that people understand the effects of sitting on their vascular health. By breaking up desk time with a short walk, workers can offset the harm caused to vascular blood vessels.

 

“Studies have shown that sitting less can lead to better metabolic and cardiovascular health,” Padilla said. “However, more research is needed to determine if repeated periods of reduced vascular function with prolonged sitting lead to long-term vascular complications.”

 

The study, “Impact of Prolonged Sitting on Lower and Upper Limb Micro- and Macrovascular Dilator Function,” recently was published in Experimental Physiology, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of The Physiological Society. In addition to Padilla, the research team includes Robert Restaino and Seth Holwerda, graduate students in the MU School of Medicine Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology; Daniel Credeur, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science at the University of Southern Mississippi School of Kinesiology; and Paul Fadel, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology and director of clinical translational science at the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

 

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health under the award number K01HL125503 and the American Physiological Society. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding agencies.

 

Recap of the TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF

Date: June 14, 2015
Venue: Bruce's Mill Conservation Area
City: Whitchurch-Stouffville
Walk Length: 5 km
Check In: 9:00 a.m.
Start Time: 11:00 a.m.

 

What a great event for support of Diabetes and the JDRF. The walk was so unique you even got your own FITBIT! Thank you for the invite TELUS!

The Background

This was the 8th year of TELUS’ title sponsorship of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) signature, nationwide fundraising event, the TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes. As you likely know, the walk raises money for JDRF to continue funding critical research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. This research helps develop advanced treatments to improve the lives of people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

 

The TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes is also a signature event in our TELUS Days of Giving initiative. In its 10th year, TELUS Days of Giving brings together 16,000 team members, retirees, family and friends across Canada and around the world to volunteer for local causes of their choice to make positive, heartfelt and lasting connections within the community. As a company that is dedicated to health and technology, the Walk to Cure Diabetes is a cause that’s especially close to our hearts.

 

The Challenge

The challenge, if you were keen to accept it, is to sign up for your local walk and encourage your friends, family and online community to join you. But that’s not all. We also want to provide you with a Fitbit, courtesy of TELUS, so you can prepare for the walk and track your progress.

The hashtags used were #actsofgood and #TELUSWalk hashtags and the @telus handle.

The Goal

The goal is simple –they wanted to get as many Canadians as possible walking for a cure and helping raise to awareness for the amazing work being done by the JDRF. They also encouraged people to donate to this very important cause.

We believe a cure will be found within our lifetime, but we must work together to be successful. Your help will bring us one step closer to finding a cure.  

Check out some of the photos from the event below:

image1 image2 image3 image4 image5 image6

 

Train It Right - Get Walking During Your Pregnancy

Train It Right
Train It Right

Fitness is very popular right now, between instagram, twitter, store shelves filled with fitness DVDs for pregnancy that include, cardio, strength training, Zumba, Pilates, and hip hop dancing just to name a few. But when you're pregnant learning new moves of the latest fitness fad is probably not a top priority on your to do list. That’s what makes walking so amazing!

Walking is a great way to stay fit during your pregnancy. Not only is it free but it’s low impact so you can even do it closer to your due date. Just make sure the farther along you are that you have checked with your doctor that you can be active. Unless you are having a high-risk pregnancy you should be fine.

If you walked often before your pregnancy you probably won't need to change your normal walking habits during your first trimester. Small changes may need to be made during the second and the third trimester. However, during all three trimesters if you find yourself unmotivated grab your husband, boyfriend or friend to join you on your walks. Make sure to set specific walking date nights at specific times. That way you don’t skip out on your exercise.

No matter what trimester you are starting your walking at make sure you have walking shoes that support the ankles and arches. If you go to a local running store they can assess your walking gait and get you fitted in the proper shoes. When you walk, keep your eyes up, your hips tucked under your shoulders to avoid a sway in your back. Swing your arms for balance and to intensify your workout. This is also known as power walking.

Make sure to bring drinking water with you to avoid dehydration. Try to avoid walking in the heat. If it is too hot you can get cramps, which are never a good thing for the baby. Try finding shade to walk in or an air conditioning mall to walk in so you can beat the heat.

 

Alicia Bell

BSc in Kinesiology

www.trainitright.com

@trainitright

This was Kim Kardashian and Kanye West working out the other day. She is looking pretty sloppy.